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NEWS AND INFORMATION MAGAZINE

PARISH OF SIXPENNY HANDLEY WITH PENTRIDGE

June 2001

Including: Woodyates, Deanland and Minchington Published by Sixpenny Handley Parish Council

Delivered by Sixpenny Handley Homewatch

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The Downsman June 2001

PARISH DIRECTORY Parish Councillors Sixpenny Handley Chairman Mr. B.M.J. Curtis............. 552397 Mrs E. Miles.................... 552768 Miss E. Waller................. 552305 Mr. P.G. Chick................. 552256 Mr. S.Judd....................... 552563 Mrs P.K. Bailey-Wright... 552771 Mr. P.J. Kellock............... 552849 Pentridge Vice-Chairman Mr. R.R.Riddle................ 552659 Mr. R. Warner................ 552665 Mr. J. Porte...................... 552677 Clerk Mr. B.J.Hansford............ 552468 Assistant Clerk Mr. Tony Henderson..... 552279 County Councillor Mr. T. Palmer.................. 552321 Fax 552405 District Councillor Mr. A. Humphries............ 517365 Footpaths Liaison Officers Sixpenny Handley Mr. P.J. Kellock............... 552849 Pentridge Ian Davies........................ 552076 Downsman Editorial Team Editor Alan Vincent.................... 552788 Brian Hansford................ 552468 Churches Church of England St. Mary’s, Sixpenny Handley St. Rumbold’s, Pentridge St. Andrews, Gussage St.Andrew Vicar Rev. Ron. Wood............... 552608 Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Cecilia, Blandford Forum Priest Fr. John Rice..........01258 452051 1st Woodcutts Scout Group Group Scout Leader Mr. Barry Howes............. 552583 Scout Leader Rob Easton…................... 552038 Cub Leader Esme Isaacs…….............. 517203 Doctors Drs. Pelly, Nodder & Morgan Dean Lane Surgery.......... 552500 Schools First School Handley First School....... 552356 Middle School Cranborne Middle School 517348 Upper School Queen Elizabeth’s School Wimborne......…... 01202 885233 Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Chairman Steve Pharo..................... 552975 Secretary Vacancy Bookings Julie Richardson............... 519438 Sixpenny Handley Flower Show Chairman Brian Hansford................ 552468 Secretary For The Kidz Chairman Bronia Styles.................... 552658 Secretary Geraldine Vincent............ 552788 Sixpenny Handley Homewatch

Overall Co-ordinator & Police Focal Point John Curtis...................... 552397 Co-ordinators Area 1 - Dean Lane Don Penrose.................... 552022 2 - Lower Handley Mike Comben.................. 552085 3 - Upper Handley John Clarke...................... 552674 4 - Deanland & N.E. Charles Nodder................ 552292 5 - West & South George Tozer................... 552330 Other Areas (These are separate Homewatch Schemes) Pentridge Roy Elford....................... 552296 Woodyates Roy Warner..................... 552665 Police Blandford Station. 01258 452101 The Chase Nursery Chairman Tracey Pain............01202 885374 The Chase Nursery Link Group Contact Hazel Killeen................... 552980 Sixpenny Handley W.I. (Formed in 1922) President Mrs Margaret Staplehurst. 552795 Secretary Mrs H. Eynon................... 552308 Sixpenny Handley Mother’s Union Leader Pamela Wood................... 552608 Secretary Sheila Smith.................... 552149 Sixpenny Handley Bowls Club President Tony Groves..................... 552236 Secretary Gill Martin...................... 552297 Handley Sports Club Chairman Tony Dale........................ 552540 Secretary Brian Hansford................ 552468 Team Managers -Sat. Mark Young..................... 552741 -Sun Stuart Haskell.................. 552498 The Wednesday Club Chairman Pamela Wood................... 552608 Secretary Heather Eynon................. 552308 Chase Community Friends Chairman Dr. Geddes...................... 552395 Secretary Vic Hatton .............01258 840671 Sixpenny Handley Tennis Club Chairman Michael Catchpole......... 552879 Secretary Bill Chorley..................... 552776 Membership/Treasurer Jon Carlisle................... 552271 Sixpenny Handley Cricket Club Chairman Simon Ellingham............. 552370 Secretary Juli Spendley.........01202 822244 Sixpenny Handley Flower Arranging Club Chairman / Secretary Maggie Staplehurst.......... 552795 Happy Nappy Club Chairperson Sam Leiber-Young........... 552600 S.H.E.D.D.S. Chairman Godfrey Turner.............. 552533 Sixpenny Handley Sports Association Chairman Colin Chambers............... 552796 Secretary Brian Hansford................ 552468 Sixpenny Handley Allotment Holders Association Chairman John Curtis....................... 552397 Secretary/Treasurer Sandra Repper.................. 552769

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The Annual Flower Show will be held on Saturday 18th August 2001, on the Sports Field in a marquee. As well as the show there will be stalls selling cakes, plants, books etc. We would ask you to support this feature of our village life by entering some of the classes -there are classes for everyone, including the children who have their own section this year, divided by age group:- up to 8 years old & 9 - 14 years old. You may feel that the quality of your produce is not show standard, but remember that this is a fun show for the village and not exclusively for the professionals. Especially as we have a section for residents of the parish only. Included in the schedule will be hints on the preparation of your exhibits. We look forward to a bumper crop of exhibitors & exhibits -good luck to you all. Schedules will be available from the Post Office Shop soon.

Please support the show with entries - Vegetables - Fruit - Flowers - Dahlias -

Floral Art - Cookery & Preserves - Wine - Honey - Photography - Children’s Section.

Hints on showing Vegetables It is important to read the schedule carefully and abide exactly by the regulations, particularly with regard to the number of specimens in each exhibit. With root vegetables, biggest is not always best and, in most cases, medium sized is preferable. Root vegetables should be washed carefully without damaging the skin. Carrots, parsnips & beetroots -cut off tops leaving 2 to 3 inches of stem which can be tied neatly with raffia. Onions should be ripe & firm with, if possible, whole skins. Do not skin them. Turn down the tops & bind them with raffia. Shallots are treated in the same way and staged on a plate of sand. Peas & beans - leave stalks intact. The withered flower should be left on peas and Cucumbers Tomatoes -should be ripe & firm with calyx intact. Lettuces -Outside leaves and roots must be left on. Cabbages must have 2 to 3 inches of root left on. Damaged leaves on both can be removed. Rhubarb (natural) should have the leaf blades removed. Leave no more than 3

SIXPENNY HANDLEY ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW 2001

Welcome to the latest edition of The Downsman. All your contributions to.......

Alan Vincent, 5 The Parsonage, Sixpenny Handley, SP5 5QJ Telephone – 01725 552788, Office Hours - 01722 412202.

E-mail: [email protected]

The next edition of this Magazine

will be published on the

1st August 2001 Copy Deadline is 19th July 2001

Front Cover - Submitted by Gordon Clarke

Photos taken at Sixpenny Handley Carnival about 1935 - the theme was Amy Johnson’s flight. The top picture shows a float built by Leonard Adams - The “intrepid aviator” in the lower picture is Gordon himself.

mailto:[email protected]

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NOTES FROM RSPB GARSTON WOOD

It is especially disappointing that once again I have to report more vandalism: This time it concerns the nesting birds using boxes in the wood. Whilst checking them in May, it became clear that many had been taken down and opened, eggs and birds destroyed and on some the catches left open, allowing squirrels to get at the residents. This has occurred while the woods have been subject to Foot & Mouth restrictions, which is of even more concern. This is an especially serious offence. Garston Wood boxes usually produces around 400 fledglings a year, but this year less than a quarter of that number will survive and woodland birds do not have second broods. There is also evidence of other intrusions into closed areas, involving the removal of timber and coppicing materials, despite the fact that Garston Wood is a privately owned nature reserve. In one case, an enclosure gate had been left open. The local Police and their Wildlife Constable have been informed, but if anyone has any information regarding these offences, please contact them at Blandford Police station. Instances of children firing guns indiscriminately at wildlife, across gardens and nature areas has also been reported to me. In most cases they appear to be air guns that often only maim and do not kill, but it is still an offence to fire at anything just because it moves. Please exercise proper control if you have guns in the house and explain the laws. Since Friday 18th May, most of the paths in the wood have been re-opened and by the time

you read this it may be that both Dorset and Wiltshire have agreed access to the other local paths, subject to exemption applications. Notices will appear on the gates and the Shire Rack to show where it is possible to walk. In the meantime, please avoid both the Plantation path and the one adjacent to Upwood Farm, as indicated on the map. There is still a wonderful show of Ramsons and Bluebells due to the late season, and most summer migrants have returned, including some Turtle Doves. Because the woods have been quiet for so long, many more pheasants have nested where they may be trodden on, while the deer and other residents have forgotten about the public and seem very surprised to see walkers. I hope everything is back to normal soon, not least because finding somewhere to walk the dog has been such a problem for so many local people! When using the woods, can I urge you to keep an eye out for anyone abusing the wildlife and let the Police or the RSPB know. Thank you. David Tucker, Voluntary Warden.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE TO APPROACH OR INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH NEST BOXES, NESTING BIRDS AND

OTHER WILDLIFE, INCLUDING WILD FLOWERS.

ONLY THOSE PEOPLE LICENSED BY ENGLISH NATURE MAY MONITOR WILDLIFE.

WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD INFORM ANY YOUNG

PERSONS WHO ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS FACT, AS THE DESTRUCTION IN GARSTON WOOD APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY CHILDREN.

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ROEBUCK INN Freehouse

22 High Street, Sixpenny Handley

Traditional Home Made Food & Selection of Real Ales

Restaurant, Beer Garden, Games Room,

Bed & Breakfast, Television Room, Off Road Parking

Sunday Roasts, Childrens Menu

OXFORD

Carpentry and Building of Blandford

New Houses

Extensions

Refurbishments

Call Peter Oxford

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Press Releases from East Dorset District Council Date issued 24th May 2001

WAKE UP TO WASTE Good news for the rural recyclers of East Dorset!

An unexpected bonus in the form of an extension of the popular kerbside green box recycling scheme into the villages of Sixpenny Handley and Cranborne has occurred due to increased co-operation between East Dorset District Council, Hampshire and Dorset County Councils. Refuse from the Verwood/Alderholt areas is now being deposited into the Blue Haze landfill near Verwood, but in Hampshire. This saves both time and mileage on refuse rounds. This spare capacity will be utilised in the introduction of new recycling rounds, in areas previously not served by the green box scheme, at no extra cost to the Council Taxpayer. Cllr David Curley, Chairman of The Community Services Committee, described the improvement in services as “Great news for our rural residents. With new Government recycling standards now set, this news could not have come at a better time”. It is anticipated that the issue of kerbside boxes will commence in early June and the full implementation of the scheme will commence 19 June. Date issued : 24 May 2001

A Better Deal for the Blind and Partially Sighted A better deal for the blind and partially sighted has been secured by the Council in negotiations with local bus companies. In return for a payment to the bus operators of £60 per pass issued, blind and partially sighted residents in East Dorset will be able to travel free. Councillor Ron Daw, the new Chairman of East Dorset District Council, said “This is great news for our blind and partially sighted residents who can continue to enjoy free travel following the withdrawal of the concession previously provided by Wilts and Dorset.” The deal means that modified travel cards will need to be issued by the Council. In the meantime Wilts and Dorset have agreed to continue to accept registration cards issued by Social Services as proof of eligibility to free travel. Councillor Derek Burt, Leader of the Council, added “I would ask all those blind and partially sighted people who have applied for a travel pass to be patient for a little longer while the Council gets on with the job of producing

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The CCF offer voluntary support to those who need it, within the Cranborne Chase villages.

In the form of :- • Transport to the Surgery, Dentist, etc, with an appropriate contribution

from the user of 45p per mile, to cover petrol costs. • Collection of prescriptions - local shopping for the house bound. • Emergency garden care - child sitting - dog walking. • We hold regular Social Day Centres, at Sixpenny Handley Village Hall.

And weekly Coffee Mornings at the back bar of the Roebuck Inn, Sixpenny Handley.

Thursday mornings 10:15am -11:45am. So come along and make new friends.

For any information concerning Chase Community Friends, Please contact CCF co-ordinator, on 01725 552097.

New volunteers always most welcome.

Sixpenny Handley Flower Arranging Club

Program 2001

June 18th Garden Visit September 17th Demonstration by Marilyn Nourse "Yours Whimsically"

July 16th Demonstration by Elizabeth James "Floral Foray"

October 15th A.G.M. and Practice Halloween 24"x24"x24"

August 20th Barbecue November 19th Visit to a neighbouring Society

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Whist at The Village Hall Bridge at The Roebuck

At the close of the present whist season, Christopher Haskell emerged victorious from the eight-round post-Christmas contest with a convincing margin of twenty-eight points from his closest challenger, Harvey Gocher, while trailing Harvey by a mere two points were Arthur Austin and Doris Gibson. Betty Stevens and Len Diggins were next in line and it is of note that Betty's performance was a model of persistency in that having missed two of the drives, all her scores had to count.

Returning the highest individual score was

Mary Braithwaite, who achieved a 188 quite early on in the contest. In total, three players broke the 180 barrier; Mary (as reported), Christopher Haskell with 184 and Tony Groves who carded 182 in round eight, thus enabling him to climb into the top ten placings. On at least seventeen occasions, scores ranging twixt 170 and 180 were returned, but for pure consistency none bettered Doug Haskell's straight run of four returns of 158 (though Len Diggins came close in January and February by recording 161 on three consecutive drives). Another interesting

Adjusted 1. Christopher Haskell 170 154* 161 184 155 173 167 1164 (1010) 2. Harvey Gocher 160 164 165 149* 166 152* 162 165 1283 (982) 3 = Arthur Austin 170 164 176 158 147 165 143* 1123 (980) Doris Gibson 154 152 175 173 171 155 136* 1116 (980) 5. Betty Stevens 164 152 160 168 165 169 978 (978) 6. Len Diggins 161 161 161 163 163 153* 168 1130 (977) 7. Joan Gocher 145 170 179 155 161 140* 162 1112 (972) 8. Tony Groves 165 159 161 157 147* 182 971 (971) 9. Ted Gibson 154 152 172 173 163 149 145* 1108 (963) 10= Sam Poolman 152 170 149 143* 178 151 161 1104 (961) Sylvia Thorne 152 165 165 138 159 166 154 1099 (961) 12. Marge Poolman 160 166 144* 146 162 168 158 1104 (960) 13= Geoff Peach 161 168 147 162 155 162 145* 1100 (955) Chris Haskell 137* 160 151 171 159 156 158 149* 1241 (955) 15. Doreen Leverton 159 178 161 145* 158 145* 145 153 1244 (954) 16. Doug Haskell 157* 156* 161 157 158 158 158 158 1263 (950) 17. Fred Denham 168 147* 154 151 137* 150 151 174 1232 (948) 18= Nora Davis 173 162 143 151 162 151 942 (942) Ted Meaden 168 152 145* 150 146* 155 161 156 1233 (942) Bill Chorley 145* 149 167 151 163 153 159 141* 1228 (942) 21. Mary Meaden 158 149* 153 155 159 158 147* 154 1233 (937) 22. Doris Day 157 153 145* 148 166 156 155 1080 (935) 23. Sylv Day 163 162 163 148 136 156 928 (928) 24= Rita Austin 157 130* 161 144 152 160 153 1057 (927) Wilf Jacobs 156 149 153 156 165 148 927 (927) Margaret Fowgies 148 162 167 152 153 145 927 (927) 27. Liz Scriven 155 148 163 142 153 159 920 (920) 28. Stuart Combes 146 141* 149 157 156 161 150 1060 (919) 29. John Davis 147 144 165 157 146 156 915 (915)

Scores with an asterisk are deducted from the overall total.

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statistic; both Sam and Marge Poolman and Ted and Mary Meaden completed the eight rounds with equal scores; in the case of the former their totals amounted to 1104 while Ted and Mary finished on 1233. With their scores adjusted, Sam was placed equal 10th, Marge 12th, Ted equal 18th and Mary 21st.

Whilst reporting the final positions, how pleasing it was to welcome back Edie Langley of Ashmore, following her dreadful accident at the turn of the year. An eighth round return of 165 demonstrates she has lost none of her skills at the whist table.

In conclusion, it is a big "thank you" to Fred Denham for yet another season as "Master of Ceremonies"; to Doug for manning the draw and to Glynis and Monica for organising the refreshments and, especially, a very warm message of thanks to all who have supported the 2000-2001 season. We look forward to seeing you in September. Normally, when only seven participants arrive to play bridge, it makes for a very frustrating occasion but, on 11 April, the evening turned out to be hugely successful with some extremely unusual hands dealt and a very high standard of play throughout. At table one, Sally David (East) partnering Helen Goodwin (West) won two consecutive rubbers and finished up with a part score in the third taking their overall winning margin to plus 25. At table two, where "dummy" from table one sat in to make up the bidding, one deal resulted in three of the four hands picking up a void, while later in the evening Anne Reed (West) partnering Robin Radclyffe (East) made two well bid (and executed) contracts, the first in five clubs and the second a small slam, vulnerable, in six hearts. If anything, the former was the most difficult as both opponents had been able to enter the auction, Eric Turner (North) bidding hearts and Bill Chorley (South) supporting with spades. Earlier, on table one, Helen had landed a well controlled slam, vulnerable, of six diamonds while Sally wrapped up the part score third rubber with four hearts bid and made. Few doubles were entered, though Anne succeeded in putting George Marskell (South) one down in a three hearts contract, while Helen neatly made three spades against Bill's interventionist double. All in all, a good night to remember.

Although not able to be present, the session held on 9 May turned out to be quite exciting, especially for Anne and Sylvia who enjoyed a remarkably good run, winning three rubbers. From all accounts, for Robin and George, the evening proved quite disastrous and against various opponents they managed a mere sixty points (above the line). Robin cannot recall picking up a hand with more than seven honour points and though George fared slightly better it was a night best consigned to the history books.

It is envisaged that bridge will continue, on a weekly basis, throughout the summer. So, do come along to the Roebuck, on a Wednesday evening, and you will be made most welcome.

Bill Chorley.

Mobile Library Service Weekly on Thursdays:- Sixpenny Handley 3.20 - 3.40 School 3.45 - 4.05 Garage 4.10 - 4.20 Dean Lane - Letter Box 4.25 - 4.45 Sheasby Close Fortnightly on Thursdays Jun 14th, 28th, Jul 12th, 26th Woodyates 2.30 - 2.45 Cobley Close

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M. G. CORDINA

ALL TYPES OF BUILDING WORK CARRIED OUT

Telephone – 01725 552310

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Sixpenny Handley SALISBURY

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The Laird of Woodcutts April 25th. 2001

This is a very special day in the history of the tiny hamlet of Woodcutts, mainly because of something printed in the last edition of The Downsman. For those of you who read that issue, you would remember that this day is the birthday of Shep, Bob, Jock or even Mr. Jock. Obviously not everybody had read it, because a few days ago, his neighbour when talking with visitors about the forthcoming event, was asked by one of them in a very surprised voice, "Why is he being "knighted?" (I lost the ‘k’ again there for a minute, so there has been a delay while I found it, went back and put it in.) May I take this opportunity to set the record straight, today Jock is NINETY YEARS OLD, he is NOT BEING KNIGHTED. The capital letters are for the hard of hearing! Hopefully that has cleared it up, if these misunderstandings continue to occur, it may be necessary for Woodcutts to have a full time embassy in Sixpenny Handley. Anyway that is something for the future. Now back to the present, possibly you will have read the heading of this article, and you will be thinking, "What the heck is this all about?" There is of course a simple explanation. Since Mr. Robert Meehan is not being recognised for honours, by the 'powers that be', I thought it might be appropriate to give him the honorary title, "The Laird of Woodcutts". Presumably it won’t change his lifestyle too much, although he could get used to partying.

25th. April 2001 6:30 p.m. I am on my way to collect Jock for what he expects to be tea with Madge; myself and his next door neighbour Win Kirby. Apparently Win has told him to be dressed for the occasion. As I walk along the mown grass path to his back gate, it is fairly blustery with rain clouds scudding across the sky but the sun is shining, a cool enough day for this time of year, it is probably reminiscent of his home away to the north, for Jock. Despite the temperature, he is waiting at his constantly open back door. He can only be described as 'dapper', please could younger readers look this up in the dictionary; it has to be used, as it is so appropriate here. From his shiny, black shoes, his dark suit with a light pin-stripe, his neat white shirt and dark blue tie with small, silverywhite spots, clean shaven and hair neatly combed he is immaculate. Does he think he is having tea with the Queen? Hopefully for his sake, it will be all worth while. I lock the door for him and pocket the key, looking like he does you don't know what might happen. We walk along the lane towards home, its starts spitting with rain, we happen to be abreast of our parked car, so I suggest we get in out of the rain. Since we are in the car it might be a sensible idea to have a short drive while it is still light. Madge comes out and decides to come too. Down the lane through Dean, passed Chapel Farm, out on to the main road, where we decide to turn in the direction of Blandford. It is now clear and we have trees, fields and crops to view and discuss, until the hedges and then the houses of Pimperne obstruct the view. Since it now looks like rain and it is considerably darker, we all agree (I was going to say unanimously but I'm not sure how to spell it.) why don't we go in for a quick celebratory drink? The Anvil is handy. On entering the small, central bar, surprise, surprise, there are people here Jock knows. His great friends Maggie, Brian and Dave along with Jock's son Sandy, and their wives have organised a surprise party. Jock sits down, more out of astonishment than of necessity and is greeted in turn by everybody present, 21 in number. A buffet supper followed by a birthday cake appears, which together with a couple of 'wee drams' find their way into Jock's stomach. Now there are more cards to open, adding to the twenty odd already received. Presents as well, including a beautiful china tea mug, which he immediately has filled with tea, this is to be his tipple for the rest of the evening, he wants to be able to remember all this in the future, a treasured time, his final comment being, “I didn't know I had so many friends.” How glad we all are he has not dressed up in vain. It would be great to think we'll all be here in ten years time. So we drink to the health of “The Laird of Woodcutts”. May he walk with God for the remainder of his life. Ted Cox, Woodcutts 25.4.01

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RICHARD T. ADLEM

FUNERAL DIRECTOR MONUMENTAL MASON

PARK COTTAGE, SIXPENNY HANDLEY, SALISBURY

Tel. 01725 552496

Established 1965

THE GREAT FIRE This account of the Fire was written by the Revd A. Turing Bruce, who was curate of Sixpenny Handley for many years. It first appeared in his booklet "0ur Parish", now long out of print. Whether or not his claim that more than a thousand pounds still lie in Chancery is true, the Fire Relief Fund raised £203 18s 9d from the Blandford District, and by November 1894, the Subscribers were ready to meet claims made to them for relief - two and a half years after the Fire. The Vicar had been out of the village when the fire struck, and took no part in the relief committee's work. The villagers appointed Mr Herbert William Dibben as their representative. For our Parish like London had its "Great Fire" On May 20, 1892 the wheelwright was bonding wheels at the top of the village. That is to say, the big iron bonds or wagon wheel rims were being heated red hot in the yard and then clamped on the wheels so that as the iron cooled, it would grip them firmly. There was a high N. E. wind that day, and the sparks from the open fire and the sizzling wheels flew hither and yon & it was not seen till too late that they had set fire to the heather thatch of one of the sheds. The wind tossed the blazing thatch high in the air and dropped it in all di-rections on the village roofs. It had been a very dry spring and the thatched roofs were like tinder. The wells were also very low so water was scarce and soon most of the village was ablaze. Most of the men were away in the fields but those that were left, the tradesmen the parson, the doctor, the women and even the children did their best to fight the flames and save their household effects. However little could be done, with both appliances and water lacking. Besides, the fire, aided by the wind seemed to be possessed with demoniac cunning sparing one part to descend upon another and then returning to devour what it had missed, even pouncing down upon the piles of household stuff to destroy them too. There are but few living now, who have a very clear memory of the disaster, but in my earlier days recollection was still vivid and there were many stories current. How the village Emporium went up in flames with its stores of oil and tallow which enveloped everything in a suffocating pall of oily smoke. Of how an old man came rushing from his shed with his arms full of burning hens. Of how a little boy told to help rescue some of the household goods carefully brought out his dinner of bread and cheese and buried it in the garden. Of how the landlord of the Roebuck Inn saved his hostelry by offering free beer to all who would stand by and help him. An old friend of mine, who had formerly been Curate of the Parish was sent by the Bishop to

13


enquire into the matter. As he passed up the ruined street he met an old parishioner and asked for particulars. At the end of her graphic story, he asked what the Vicar was doing about it. The old lady sniffed contemptuously. "The Passon!" she said, "He's no sense! What d' ye think his text was on Sunday?" We went through fire and water, but Thou hast brought us unto a wealthy place". It's true there was fire enough, but there wer'nt no watter to put it out. And I ask you Sar!”, with a dramatic gesture towards the smouldering ruins around her, "Would you call this A Wealthy place"!!. This sad catastrophe aroused much general interest and sympathy, gifts of all sorts came pouring in. In fact there was so much clothing sent that I am told that you could, for a long time, tell a man was from our Parish because he usually wore two if not three waistcoats. A great deal of money, too, was collected, so much, indeed, that when all claims had been met at least a thousand pounds were left over. Unfortunately, so much squabbling arose about the further spending of this big balance that it was put into chancery where it has remained ever since. So, on that fatal day, our Village, with its picturesque thatched cottages was swept out of existence, to be replaced by a huddle of badly designed and badly built dwellings which, I fear, deserve the title of "The Ugliest Village in Dorset" which Sir Frederick Treves has given it, and with the Village, too, went a store of relics and old associations which might have kept alive the memories of the old days which I have found it so hard to recapture. Submitted by Alan Oxer

HANDLEY GARAGE

Telephone – 01725 552134

ALL YOUR CAR NEEDS M.O.T. TESTING NOW IN YOUR VILLAGE

SERVICING BODYWORK PARTS SERVICE & SHOP

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Now in our new Workshops at Dean Lane (Just past the Doctors’ Surgery)

Opening Hours Mon. to Fri. 8:00am to 5:30pm Saturday 8:00am to 4:30pm Sunday Closed

14


The Inn On The Chase

If you’re in the mood for some damn good food

The Inn on The Chase must be the place

Come and see the piggies bar while you’re there have a jar

For the finest food in Cranborne Chase

The Lantern restaurant is the place Sandwiches, Bar Snacks, we have the lot

bring the kids, they won’t be shot

With 3 real ales and lager too have we got a choice for you

All those families with children too Don’t you worry we’ll cater for you With darts, pool table, juke box too

This really must be the place for you

Oh beg my pardon I forgot the Beer garden!

Telephone: 01725 552230

15


Link Group is different! It's a chance for your child to receive a more formal pre-school session within the school building at Sixpenny Handley First School and make friends with the children they will start school with.

Only Chase Nursery can offer your child this unique opportunity.

Here's what Mrs Latcham, Headteacher Sixpenny Handley First School, has to say about Link Group,

"Chase Nursery Link Group provides an excellent introduction to education in main school for children who are due to start in our Reception class. Children are able to familiarise themselves with the buildings, meet the staff and develop their confidence in preparation for their first day at school."

"Ofsted Inspectors, who praised the work of the leaders, have recently verified in their report, the high quality of education received by all children attending the Link Group. Teachers notice how well the children are prepared for school when they have attended the Link Group sessions."

Link Group runs from January to July and children attend in the year they will start school in September. Places are limited and priority given to children who have been regularly attending pre-school sessions.

So, why not send your child to pre-school sessions now and give them a good chance of attending Link Group prior to starting school.

Pre-school playgroup held in Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9.30am – 12.00 noon. £3.75 per session. Optional extra hour on Tuesday and Wednesdays (£1 extra). Link Group held Monday and Friday afternoons.

P'hone Tracey (01202 885374) or Hazel (01725 552980) for further information.

Quality pre-school education at reasonable cost in a secure and happy environment.

The Chase Nursery

16


Minutes of Pentridge Annual Assembly, held in Pentridge Village, Hall on 25 April 2001

1. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 April 2000 were agreed and signed by the

chairman. 2. Matters arising from the previous meeting:-

a. Dr Gillespie Smith raised the lack of progress over moving the bollards close to her cottage. Cllr. Humphries, having stated he would look into the matter said he had consulted with the Area surveyor and had been advised that it was a highways matter and therefore a County matter. He had passed the matter to Cllr. Palmer. Cllr Palmer verified the history of the bollards and the exact nature of the problem as well as establishing that there would be no objections to their removal. He said he would look into rectifying the problem as well as investigating the possibility of moving the track outside Chestnut Cottage slightly away from the building.

b. Mr Davies asked what progress had been made on the bus shelter at E. Woodyates. Cllr. Riddle replied that a grant, maximum £800.00 had been promised to assist with the construction. There were no problems envisaged regarding siting or acquisition of land from either the landowner or the County, Highways Dept. Cllr. Warner was investigating designs, and obtaining plans and estimates at the moment and it was hoped to have the shelter in place before too long.

c. Mr Davies stated that no Statement of Financial Affairs for Pentridge Village Hall had been published; as stated at last year's meeting. Cllr. Riddle stated he would look into the matter. Mr Davies further requested that a similar statement regarding Sixpenny Handley Village Hall be published. Cllr. Riddle asked the Clerk to investigate the publishing of such a statement in the Downsman.

3. Public questions

a. Mrs Edmonds asked about the extent of disturbance involved in the proposed improvement

to the junction of the Pentridge Rd with the A354. Cllr. Palmer replied that no plans were yet available, but the budget for the improvements was, relatively small and he did not think there would be any extensive intrusion onto property on either side of the junction, but that any fences or hedges disturbed would have to be made good.

b. Mrs Edmonds stated that the visibility when leaving Roman Way was badly impaired by an electrical supply post and asked if anything could be done to move the post. Cllr. Palmer stated he would investigate the problem

c. Mrs Edmonds asked about a diversion to Bridleway No 6 to take it past Bokerley Farm buildings rather than through them. Cllr. Porte outlined the current position regarding this diversion, and read a response from County about it. Following a short discussion it was proposed by Gill Edmonds and seconded by Dr Gillespie Smith that Pentridge Assembly writes to County supporting the diversion.

d. Dr Gillespie Smith asked when repairs to the damage caused by bad weather to the road through Pentridge would take place. Cllr. Palmer agreed that while emergency repairs had been swiftly carried out when needed, the road was in a bad state of repair. He further stated that he was happy to report that the appropriate budget at County had received a significant increase and that a substantial programme of road repairs was being carried out. However a comprehensive programme of these repairs had yet to be published. When it was, he would take appropriate action if Pentridge were not on it.

e. Mr Davies stated there were problems with the road side ditch at the east end of the village, and asked if anything could be done to rectify these problems. Cllr. Palmer stated that responsibility for such ditches was being disputed between landowner and local authorities, and this was the case here. Last year the landowner had cleared it, although with some

17


reluctance, and Cllr. Palmer would see if he could be persuaded to do so again. f. Mr Davies asked if a barrier could be provided on the road above the new footpath south of

the entrance to Bokerely Farm. Cllr. Palmer said he would investigate this. During a discussion on footpaths it wag agreed that the footpath notice board in the village was not large enough and needed to be replaced, and that a new uptodate map was also required.

g. Mr Davies asked if the local authority could provide a skip service for some of the more remote villages in the district. Cllr. Humphries replied that EDDC could arrange for such a service, but did not provide funds for it. However there were some significant changes in local government organisation taking place soon, and Cllr. Humphries said he would raise the matter again after the changes, quoting the service provided by Wiltshire as an example.

h. Mr Davies asked about some proposed changes to the visit of the mobile library to Pentridge. Cllr. Palmer said he was unaware of these details, but he would check on them and if there were any changes he would ensure the village was made aware of them.

i. Mr Davies asked about the difference in returns from recent local consultation exercises carried out by both EDDC and DCC. Cllr. Palmer stated that the difference was due to EDDC being more efficient in their distribution, and this had resulted in a much higher percentage of returns. A short discussion on local consultations and questionnaires followed. The Assembly concluded that many Parish publications were biased in favour of Sixpenny Handley. The Assembly also asked if it was possible to establish what percentage of the village precept was allocated to matters specific to Pentridge. Cllr. Riddle agreed to try and find out.

4. Cllr Humphries reported on some possible boundary changes to District Council wards that may

mean significant changes in the local ward for the election due in 2003. The ward may lose Wimborne St Giles but increase by the inclusion of the Gussages and Whitchampton. However he stressed that these changes were still at the discussion stage.

5. There being no further questions, the Chairman thanked the members of the public for their time

and declared the meeting closed at 8:45pm.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU AT SIXPENNY HANDLEY SURGERY Tuesdays 9:30am – 12:00 noon Christine Pacey

NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOUR ENQUIRY IS WE WILL TRY AND HELP - COST? – FREE

FOR YOU? For everyone, regardless of class, race, sex, sexuality, culture, income or benefits.

• We will not tell anyone unless you say so • We don’t judge or blame • We will not be influenced by outside interests or views • Financial Problems • Preliminary Debt Counselling • Employment Issues • Housing Related Problems • Family Breakdown • Issues relating to being a Carer • Issues related to Community Care

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If you have any queries phone Sam on 01725 552600

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April Report At Handley’s well attended meeting members enjoyed a most interesting talk given by the author Mr Rex Sawyer - and illustrated with slides of ‘Colletts Farthing Newspaper’ - a village newspaper of the daily happenings and history of Bowerchalke during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries - there were old copies too, of the newspaper and other literature for the members to see. He was thanked by Jan Gibb. Members were reminded of a forthcoming Group Walk around Sturminster Newton - the Group meeting at Manston and the Birthday meal - also diaries for 2002 must be ordered now. Refreshments were served by Pam Wood, Joan Clarke and Edith Taylor. The flower of the month was won by Doreen Leverton. There was an exhibition for a ‘Millennium Item’. Several members will be attending the spring Council meeting at Weymouth on April 25th. The next meeting will be on May 14th when Mrs Anne Reed will talk about her work as a physiotherapist.

May Report At Handley’s meeting Mrs Anne Reed was welcomed and members enjoyed a most interesting and informative talk, illustrated with realistic looking skeletal bones (plastic of course) and other items used in her work as a physiotherapist. She was thanked by Edith Taylor. Mrs Stella Symes gave her report on the Spring Council meeting at Weymouth that Sixpenny Handley had attended as delegate, with several other members. Resolutions for the IGM at Cardiff were discussed and voted on. Entries for the Group Triennial Show to be held at Shaftesbury on July 4th must be in by June 11th to Peggy Holland or at the next meeting. Flower of the month winners, Norah North, Stella Symes, Jan Gibb. There was an exhibition of Old Tea Tins. Welcome refreshments were served by Sylvia Maskell and Margaret Quinn. The next meeting will be on June 11th when Mr D Piggott will speak on ‘Historic Buildings Conservation. The competition - A poem about Salisbury. It was suggested a Skittles Team be started again and names were taken if members interested. Win Judd (01725 552237)

News and Information

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S

INSTITUES

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Minutes of Sixpenny Handley with Pentridge Annual Parish Meeting, held in the Sports Pavilion on 17th May 2001

1. Village Traffic & Parking Problems

a. Cllr. Humphries reported on progress made with the road improvement programme agreed with both County and District. Some minor improvements had been made at a cost of approximately £380.00, out of an estimated cost of £2500.00 for the original programme. He stated that he had recently toured the village with officials from Highways and had agreed further improvements to speed limit signing, but that 'no footpath' signs would be reviewed after proposed building in the village had been complete. Direction signs for the sports area and village hall would be provided by District. White lining should take place as part of the routine maintenance programme. He reported that Cllr. Palmer was actively pursuing a 20 mph limit in the village, and the indications at present were favourable. Following a short discussion it was unanimously agreed that the painting of chevrons on the road approaching the bend on Handley Hill should be requested. It was agreed to write to County asking for the chevrons, and stating:-“that while the recent improvements were welcomed, they had not reduced the problem to a significant degree. It was however hoped that when the full programme of the agreed improvements was complete it would, when combined with a 20 mph limit, make a considerable difference.”

b. Cllr. Miles reported that car parking adjacent to Wheelwright's Close was causing a visibility problem and that residents of Green Close, which has pedestrian access only, were having trouble parking. It was agreed that Cllr. Palmer be asked to investigate this problem.

c. Cllr. Humphries reported that a system of lining and numbering at Common Road car park had been put to the residents. It was hoped this would solve the problems in this car park.

2. New Play Area The drawings were made available for the public to view. The Deputy Clerk reported the contractors had recently given a start date of no earlier than 20 June. This was later than originally planned. The Clerk was asked to find out the reason for the delay, and to inform the contractor that the Parish Council wanted the play area complete and open for the Summer holiday period.

3. Any other item of Parish Affairs a. Mr Davies asked what action was being taken about the Millennium Tree Planting. Cllr. Porte

reported that approval of the scheme, and possible tree donation, was awaited from EDDC. Cllr. Humphries offered to investigate. Cllr. Porte was asked to speed up the completion of the project as much as possible. Cllr. Miles stated she had been asked if it was possible for parishioners to contribute to the scheme. The chairman stated that any prospective contributors should contact Cllr. Porte.

b. Cllr. Kellock reported on the current state of the County footpath opening programme. He stated that all paths would be opened on 26th May, with the exception of any paths passing close to animal holding areas, where the farmer will need to apply for restrictions to be granted.

c. Cllr. Miles reported that the issue of dog fouling in the village was particularly serious at the moment, and was causing problems at the school due to children picking up faeces on their shoes. It was agreed that an article should be put in the Downsman reminding people that it was an offence not to clear up after your dog, and that the Dog Warden had been informed of the problem. Cllr. Kellock volunteered to contact the Dog Warden to consult and hopefully obtain some more posters to place around the village.

d. Cllr. Chick reported that the verges on roads approaching the village needed cutting. The deputy clerk was requested to ring County next day to inform them of the need and to try and ascertain a date for cutting.

e. Mr Davies asked if any action was planned to sign or otherwise alleviate the problems caused by hidden dips in the A354. The Chairman reported that this problem had been passed to Cllr. Palmer quite recently, and his response was awaited.

4. There being no further business the meeting was closed.

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Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held in the Sports Pavilion on May 17th 2001

Election of Chairman - Cllr. BMJ Curtis was proposed by Cllr. Riddle and seconded by Cllr. Porte. There were no other nominations. Cllr. Curtis was elected. Election of Vice-Chairman - Cllr R Riddle was proposed by Cllr. Miles and seconded by Cllr. Kellock. There were no other nominations. Cllr. Riddle was elected. The following appointments of officers for the year 2001-2002 was made. Footpath Liaison Officers:- Sixpenny Handley Cllr. Kellock Pentridge Mr I Davies Planning Committee:- Cllr. Bailey-Wright

Cllr. Porte Cllr. Miles Cllr. Waller

Finance & General Purpose Committee:- Cllr. Bailey-Wright Cllr. Chick Cllr. Kellock Cllr. Warner

Pentridge Village Hall:- Cllr. Riddle Sixpenny Handley Village Hall:- In abeyance National & Civil Emergency:- Cllr. Humphries

Cllr. Chick Cllr. Waller

Playground:- In abeyance Rural Transport:- Cllr. Miles Youth Committee:- In abeyance Ancient Monuments:- Sixpenny Handley Cllr. Waller

Pentridge Cllr. Warner Electricity Liaison Officer:- Cllr. Chick Tree Wardens:- Sixpenny Handley Cllr Waller

Pentridge Dr M Swan Sixpenny Handley Sports Association:- The Chairman

The Vice-Chairman Cllr. Bailey-Wright Cllr. Chick Cllr. Kellock

D.A.P.T.C. Representatives:- Cllr. Bailey-Wright Cllr. Curtis Cllr. Warner

Street Lighting Officer:- Cllr. Miles Sixpenny Handley First School:- In abeyance Accounts Scrutineer/Internal Auditor:- To be nominated by Finance &

General Purpose Committee at their 1st meeting

AGENDA 21 Officer:- Mr I Davies There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed.

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Bowls Club I have just come home from the third of three tourist team matches that we have accommodated this week on our bowling green -Tuesday Friday and today - Saturday 26th May. All three afternoons were in perfect sunshine; we even won two of the three games. Who could wish for a better afternoon’s past time. All it cost us was a £1 a week each for raffle tickets and some of us even came away with prizes! Tea and biscuits were supplied as well! I know we aren’t always lucky with the weather look at our Open Day. If you were planning to come but didn’t because of the weather we would love to see you at any time. Just give me a ring and I will arrange for a few members to come up and help you have a go. No cost is involved and we will supply everything you need. Just bring some flat shoes.

Now for some serious stuff - our men have played three of their Monday evening Dorset matches and are currently second in their division, after winning two of the three.

We are not doing so well in the Wiltshire Mixed Triples League, but we don’t see a League table very often so do not know where we are placed, hopefully not bottom. This is giving us a lot more experience on grass though and we are definitely getting better. We are not getting beaten by such large numbers Our Short Mat League teams finished the season with the A’ team winning Division 3 and

OFFICE SPACE

AT SIXPENNY HANDLEY

1300 sq ft available

On edge of village

Enquiries: phone 01725 552557

Storage also available -

cars/caravans/anything considered

The Wednesday Club Programme for 2001

6th June The History of Popular Music - David Andrews 20th June China - illustrated with photographs - Mr. L. Parkin 4th July Salisbury Red Cross in Wartime - Mrs. M. Davies 18th July To be confirmed

19th September Harriet Ellis - Soprano 3rd October John and Elizabeth Gradwell entertain 17th October Salvation Army Bournemouth Fellowship Band 31st October Arctic Summer - Wildlife in Greenland - Mrs. B. Last presents slides

14th November Better Bones - Mrs. B. K. Duff 28th November Southern England in Bloom - Pat Haskell presents slides 12th December Christmas Lunch with the Ad Hocsters

SUMMER BREAK

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the Tanners runners up in Division 5 to Camelot C. We had the same number of points but their shot difference was better than ours. We both get promotion though so opposition will probably be tougher next season. We celebrated our successes with a Skittles Evening.

Gill Martin

1st Friday Downton (MTL) Home 2nd Saturday Mere (F) Away 3rd Sunday Lytchett Manor (F) Home 4th Monday Ferndown (B) (D.L.) Away 5th Tuesday Leicester and County BC (F) Home 6th Wednesday Club Evening 7th Thursday Wilton BC (MTL) Home 9th Saturday South Dorset Bowl. Ass (F) Home 10th Sunday Cranborne BC (F) Home 11th Monday Verwood ‘A’ (D.L.) Away 13th Wednesday Gillingham BC (F) Home 14th Thursday Salisbury Bowls Club (MTL) Home 16th Saturday Westbrook Gala day Away 17th Sunday Lyndhurst BC (F) Away 18th Monday Ferndown ‘B’ (D.L.) Home 19th Tuesday Alderbury (MTL.) Home 20th Wednesday Club Evening 22nd Friday Downton (MTL) Away 24th Sunday Club Fours - Knock Out 25th Monday Verwood ‘A’ (D.L.) Home 26th Tuesday Amesbury BC (MTL) Home 27th Wednesday Club Evening 28th Thursday East Anglian Tourists (F) Home 1st July Sunday Lyndhurst BC (F) Home 2nd Monday Wessex ‘C’ (D.L.) Away 4th Wednesday Club Evening 5th Thursday Wimborne (NDTL) Away 7th Saturday Cranborne (F) Away 8th Sunday Fordingbridge BC (F) Home 9th Monday Gillingham ‘A’ (D.L.) Away 11th Wednesday Club Evening 13th Friday Sherborne (NTDL) Home 15th Sunday Three Cross BC (F) Home 17th Tuesday Victoria Park BC (MTL) Away 18th Wednesday Club Evening 20th Friday Gillingham (NTDL) Away 21st Saturday Dunstable Town Tourists (F) Home 22nd Sunday Mixed Triples at Shaftesbury Nth Dorset BA v Bournemouth Cavaliers 23rd Monday Blandford ‘A’ (D.L.) Away 24th Tuesday Amesbury B (MTL) Away 25th Wednesday Club Evening 27th Friday Tisbury (MTL) Away Sherborne (NDTL) Away 29th Sunday Mere (F) Home 31st Tuesday Alderbury (MTL) Away

Bowls Club Fixtures June & July

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Reception Class As part of our topic on Living Things the reception children have been looking at seeds. They have planted Sunflower and Nasturtium seeds to tend and, hopefully, watch them grow into plants, and have made careful observational drawings of the seeds they discovered in a variety of fruit.

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Friends of Cranborne Chase Communities (Reg. charity no. 1068344. Patron Lady Cranborne)

are pleased to announce the 4th annual exemption dog show (the show as always is Kennel Club licensed)

to be held at Tregonwell Lodge, Sunday the 10th June

in support of Cranborne Chase Communities

Also

On 28th July - Annual Tregonwell Lodge Open Day

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ST MARY'S ST ANDREW'S ST RUMBOLD'S

June 3rd Day of Pentecost (Whitsunday) 9:30 Pentecost Special 11:15 Morning Prayer 6:00 Holy Communion & Holy Communion

June 10th Trinity Sunday 10:30 Family Service 9:30 Holy Communion

June 17th First Sunday after Trinity 9:30 Holy Communion 11:15 Morning Prayer 6:00 Evensong

June 24th Second Sunday after Trinity 9:30 Holy Communion 8:30 Holy Communion 11:15 Family Service

July 1st Third Sunday after Trinity

11:00 Special Holy Communion & Lunch

July 8th Fourth Sunday after Trinity 10:30 Family Service 9:30 Holy Communion

July 15th Fifth Sunday after Trinity 9:30 Holy Communion 11:15 Morning Prayer 6:00 Evensong

July 22nd Sixth Sunday after Trinity 9:30 Holy Communion 8:30 Holy Communion 11:15 Family Service

July 29th Seventh Sunday after Trinity

9:30 Holy Communion 6:00 Sunday Night Live!

9:30 Morning Prayer 11:15 Morning Prayer 6:00 Holy Communion & Holy Communion

August 5th Eight Sunday after Trinity

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Sixpenny Handley First School

“Take One Picture” 2001

Our involvement with the "Take One Picture" project, organised by the National Gallery, London, began last September when children throughout the school were first introduced to the painting of the Graham Children by William Hogarth. A delightful work, commissioned by Dr. and Mrs Graham, who lived in Pall Mall in 1742, depicts his four children, and includes the younger son, baby Thomas, who had died before the painting was finished. Doctor Graham was apothecary to King George II, and was appointed to work in that capacity at Chelsea Hospital. This was a significant appointment and the family was very prosperous. Ideas for cross-curricular work on the painting generated huge enthusiasm amongst our children and work started immediately. Artists in residence provided their expertise to initiate work. Peter Rush, a former parent of the school, helped Year 3 and Year 4 pupils to form life-sized figures in wire covered with papier-mache. Cynthia Lambert taught children to make lace, and cats were made from plastic milk cartons under the guidance of Helen Godfrey. Teachers, teaching assistants, parents and friends worked on a variety of imaginative and creative tasks with the children. In November a portfolio of work was sent to the gallery to demonstrate our commitment and entice educators there to come and see our children at work. Happily they were sufficiently intrigued to do so in early December. When a telephone call came in mid-January inviting us to contribute to the “Take One Picture” exhibition in May, 2001, we were all elated! Over a hundred primary schools countrywide had taken part and we were selected with six others, including Cranborne First and Pamphill First who work with us in the Chase Cluster, because of the high standard of our work. Sponsors Mr and Mrs Christoph Henkel will enable our children to experience an opportunity of a lifetime. On Saturday 14th July almost every child in the school, accompanied by one adult, will travel by coach to London to view the exhibition and take part in a tour of the gallery to look at some of the paintings, in particular "The Graham Children" by Hogarth. Lunch will be provided and the day will finish with a show in the theatre of the gallery. Everything, including the cost of the coaches, will be free! Access to London galleries for children living in rural Dorset is not easy. Pupils attending our school will be fortunate to see for themselves some of the famous works of art from the past. The enormity of many of the paintings and the scale of the rooms within the gallery, will be a little daunting no doubt. This has been a very special project for us all. The resulting celebration is a huge accolade for everyone and is richly deserved by our children. How proud we all feel of our tremendous achievement! If you have time to spare and can visit London, why not take the opportunity to pop in to Room 1 at the National Gallery and see for yourselves the entire exhibition which will remain open until 12th August? Sixpenny Handley First School has recently been designated a successful school by the Dorset Education Authority and presented with an achievement award by the DfEE.

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Traffic Calming

I am writing to thank everybody very much for their help in signing my petition for a 20mph limit in Handley High St. We collected a total of almost exactly 500 signatures, the great majority from Handley itself, which for a village this size is a splendid achievement. It just goes to show how strongly people feel about this. Whatever happens, the good example set by Wiltshire County Council cannot be ignored in Dorchester and I am optimistic that we will win in the end. I will be presenting the petition to the County authorities shortly. Tim Palmer (County Councillor)

Anne Reed, B.A., M.C.S.P., S.R.P.

Chartered and State Registered Physiotherapist

Treatment for Sports Injuries, Spinal and Neck Pain, Arthritis, Headaches

Acupuncture, Ergonomic Advice, Massage Home Visits and Evening Appointments

Telephone: 01725 552518

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Ben and Liz Coombs would like to thank all their friends and customers for the cards and good wishes on the occasion of their recent marriage.

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Daily Bread & Cakes from Local Bakery

Groceries – Whole Foods Frozen Foods

Wide Selection of Cards COAL

Bird Nuts, Rabbit Food etc. Tel:- Liz on 01725 552827

Electricity Key Meters Charged

Electricity Savings Stamps now available

Car Road Tax Renewals Television Licence Payments

Travellers Cheques & Foreign Currency

All Normal Post Office Services

Sixpenny Handley Stores & Post Office

Rural Post Offices are under threat. Use it or risk losing it!

Odds & Sodds Property Maintenance

Want a beau fully cut lawn?

Want to enjoy your me off without mowing in the heat?

Then, RELAX and let Odds & Sodds take the strain this summer!

For all your lawn mowing, call us today - compe ve rates!

Telephone: 01725 552780 Mobile: 07730 756599

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It is good to be able to report lots of positive news this month in contrast to the all to frequent lists of local crimes. First, we recently attended the East Dorset Crime Prevention Panel, of which we are regular members, and were given the

latest crime figures for the area by Crime Prevention Officer PC Stephen Coombes. He reported that there were only three recorded crimes in Sixpenny Handley Parish during March and April, a fall of 50% on the same period last year. If you think that is too many - which it is - just consider for a moment what they have had to put up during the same period in Ferndown (256 crimes), Verwood (68), and Sturminster Marshall (27). Even these figures represent big falls on the equivalent figures for last year, however, so Dorset Police are to be congratulated. The East Dorset Crime Prevention Panel has recently produced some handy information packs entitled "Bogus Caller Beware". These include advice on how to deal with strangers calling at your door and stickers to put them off in the first place. As we have frequently reported, house burglaries in this area are often the result of con-tricksters calling at peoples' front doors, either pretending they are something they are not, or creating a distraction while an accomplice gets into the dwelling. We have a supply of these information packs. Anyone requiring one should ask their Homewatch Area Co-ordinator (see Parish Directory). Other crime prevention materials have been available in the village lately thanks to the visits of the new Dorset Police mobile display unit. This purpose built van and trailer have already made two two-hour stops in the High Street on Saturday mornings this spring. If you notice the unit in the village, pop in and tell them you are pleased to see them. We don't often get the Police out here and we have complained about their absence in the past, so please make the most of their being here now that they do come. There are two units covering the whole of rural Dorset, so we have done well to get two visits already. Finally, please remember the summer crime prevention drill: Lawnmowers, tools and garden ornaments are prime targets. Secure the windows on your house and car when you leave them. Tell the neighbours if you are going to be away and let Homewatch and the Police know immediately you notice anything suspicious. Have a good summer.

Sixpenny Handley Homewatch

CRANBORNE CHASE COMMUNITIES

There will be another COFFEE MORNING at Unit 8, Town Farm Workshops,

Dean Lane on Tuesday June 12th 10:30 - 12 noon. This is another opportunity to see how the young people with learning disabilities from

Cranborne Chase Communities are progressing with their weaving and printing. Do drop in for a coffee and a chat. Entry is free. Everyone will be welcome.

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Woodcutts in May Sitting on a log at the end of the vegetable garden, under an elm tree; which despite its age, probably between 30 and 40 years, has a wonderful leaf cover and appears in no way affected by the Dutch Elm Disease. To my left is an ash of approximately the same age, also very healthy and now in full leaf. To the extreme left running along the southern boundary, is a dense Leylandii hedge, some 55-60 feet high, this I'm sure of because I've just cut three down and measured them. This was not of course the reason for felling them, but any excuse is good enough to remove these monstrosities, they shade the garden from the sun with their foliage and remove all the goodness from the soil with their roots. This is one product of Wales, that country can't be proud of, thank goodness that legislation is now in place to control these hedges. This hedge and the trees already mentioned, together with the willow, limes, horse chestnut and sycamore that are visible from here, all have one thing in common, namely extremely healthy and almost luxurious foliage. The various shades of green, all appear so intense and virulent. This extreme health and vigour is apparent in most wild plants this year. The colours of flowers are at their best, with brilliant blue forget-me-nots, dark, almost golden, yellow cowslips, while their close relative the primrose, although paler shows brilliantly in the sunlight. They aren't the only ones, bluebells appear so vivid, while white florets of the umbels of cow parsley, the larger brilliant white heads of the stitchwort, Jack-by-the-hedge and violets are almost dazzling, As for size, every inflorescence appears greater than usual. One white violet found, had flowers more than an inch across. What is the reason for all this fecundity? It can only be the result of what was assumed at the time to be "bad weather". The excessive rain and cold enabled plants to have more time to take on board more nutrients in a very soluble, and what to them was a much beneficial form. It's an ill-wind that blows nobody any good! Sitting here surrounded by leaves of every shape and tint of green; my thoughts are turned to another subject, birds. Their vociferous calling, singing and chirping is only beaten as a distraction, by the biting of the gnats. They, that is the birds can be said to be making "one hell of a noise". They appear extremely busy at this time of night, flying backwards and forwards to only they know where. In the gathering gloom their colours are not clearly seen, but their shapes, sizes and flight make them easily recognisable. There are wrens, goldcrests, robins, tits, finches, wagtails, swallows, yellow-hammers, blackbirds, thrushes, rooks, pigeons and about 10 feet away, the other side of the hedge, in his courting suit, is a cock pheasant talking away to me, obviously scolding me for something. He is probably telling me off for being here, this is his territory; he certainly is not scared of my presence. It won’t be the same in September when the shooting starts. The birds, like the wild flowers seem more resplendent and numerous this year, which to some extent makes up for the lack of butterflies and moths, which are at present deficient nationwide. The other sub-species to loose out this year is the farmer, not only has he had to contend with foot and mouth but also loss of winter crops and late sown spring ones. Lets hope that those who have suffered can be lifted somewhat, by some of the good God has to offer in nature. At times, all we can do is hope and pray, there is always an answer to our problems, not necessarily the one we want, but in the long run it usually works out for the best. Anybody who loves nature is in tune with God.

Ted Cox, Woodcutts. 20th May 2001

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Sixpenny Handley Tennis Club It must have been with some trepidation that the organisers of the tennis event, held on Sunday April 29th, viewed matters on the Friday previous. The weather forecast from Bracknell foretold of heavy showers with bright intervals between, the showers being most dominant (and persistent) in the southern half of the country. As it turned out, nature could not have been kinder for throughout the day it was bright with just sufficient cloud cover to prevent players from becoming too sun tanned and if towards the end of the afternoon the temperature values did drop a degree or two, it mattered not a jot for the day was done and the sixteen contestants had enjoyed a remarkably good day's tennis. Each match had to be completed within a time span of ten minutes, the object being to win as many sets as possible within this period. Thus, quick change rounds were the order of the day as contestants strove to make every set count for whosoever was ahead when the umpire called "time" could be a crucial factor in the overall outcome. Eventually, it was the pairing of Peter Hornsby and Andrew Tough that prevailed with Julie McRoberts and Atilio Loncar and Sally David and Laura Loncar tying equal second. Earlier in the day, well over twenty youngsters were, “entertained” by Roni Peck, assisted by Paul Noble and others, this first session being followed by an excellent Ploughman’s Lunch, most ably organised by Helen Goodwin and Sally David. Indeed, one may hope that the tone for the summer season was set this day and everyone from the organising team to the players who attended can feel justly pleased with the outcome. On Sunday, 10th June, the Club will be hosting a Junior Tournament in the morning (play commencing at 11 o'clock) followed in the afternoon by an Adult Handicap Tournament. Also scheduled within the period covered by this issue of The Downsman is an Adults Timed Tournament on Sunday, 15th July. A picnic lunch will be the order of the day in June, but for the July event, a barbecue is in the offing. Finally, Club evenings (each Thursday, commencing at 7.30 p.m.) started in mid-May and these will continue through to the end of August. These are ideal occasions for Club members to meet and this year a committee member will be in attendance - so you will be guaranteed a game! On Monday's, Roni will be hosting a wide range of coaching, culminating with an adults session commencing at 7.30 p.m. (this will be in addition to the Wednesday morning coaching). For further details, please contact Roni on 516350. Also, in the next issue, I hope to be able to report the outcome of the Club's initial matches in Division Two of the Shaftesbury Tennis League. Bill Chorley PS Anyone wishing to join the Club are advised to turn up on a Thursday evening, or contact The Treasurer at West View, Woodcutts, Salisbury SP5 5RP

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Dorset at War When the Second World War ended, a staggering total of eight hundred and twelve airfields were in use within the British Isles, including Northern Ireland. Not surprisingly, the majority lay across the flat countryside of East Anglia and Lincolnshire before winding northwards beyond the Humber, through the Vale of York and on towards the border with Scotland. A fair cluster were also constructed around the Solway Firth while the Midlands boasted a large number of aerodromes, the majority being used for operational training purposes. In time, more stations mushroomed in the West Country and along the coastline of South Wales, many serving the needs of Coastal Command. Perhaps because of the geography of Dorset, only a handful of airfields were commissioned, two of the most important being Warmwell and Tarrant Rushton. The former (originally known as Woodford but whose name was changed to Warmwell to avoid confusion with the Avro facility at Woodford, Manchester) came into being before the war and was used, mainly, for armament training serving as a base for squadrons detached from their permanent stations to practice their skills over the nearby Chesil Beach ranges. To service the needs of these squadrons, Warmwell featured a small permanent staff with relatively basic facilities for the visiting units (most squadrons were on station for a matter of a few days). There was, however, provision for the resident aircraft that made up the establishment of No. 6 Armament Training Camp (a title that changed within less than a year to Armament Training Station) and from the summer of 1937 through to the summer of 1939, Avro Tutor and Westland Wallace target tugs were a common sigt plying their way between the airfield and the ranges. The Tutors played only a limited part and were soon replaced by Hawker Henleys, a purpose built target-tug aircraft. Then, just a few days before the outbreak of the Second World War, No. 6 ATS became No. 10 Air Observers School, only to be redesignated No. 10 Bombing and Gunnery School at the beginning of 1940. These changes brought a myriad of types to Warmwell and this would be the norm until the summer of 1940 when, because of the threat of invasion and the marked increase in enemy air activity, it became untenable to operate the Chesil Beach ranges. However, prior to these historic events, Warmwell played host to 217 Squadron and its Avro Ansons which used the station to patrol the English Channel for a brief period in 1938 and again in 1939 until the Coastal Command airfield at St. Eval in Cornwall was declared fit to receive its squadrons. As has been reported in early articles, Warmwell became a key airfield during the Battle of Britain. Its proximity to the huge naval base at Portland made it an ideal venue for Fighter Command squadrons charged with protecting this vital facility and it was ideally sited to meet any Luftwaffe incursions over the central areas of the south coast. During the Battle of Britain, 152 Squadron and its Spitfires was permanently based, while 609 Squadron maintained a daily detachment of Spitfires at Warmwell from its resident station at Middle Wallop. During November 1940, 609 Squadron became a resident squadron alongside “152”, but from all accounts were assigned to the northern side of the airfield and had to make do with tented accommodation for its flight offices, briefing rooms, etc. It can only be surmised that Warmwell, in the eyes of 609 Squadron, was a less than satisfactory station and it is on record that during the Battle, when the Squadron was detaching aircraft on a

39


daily basis, the Camp Commandant ws quite unhelpful, particularly as far as messing was concerned! By the spring of 1941, Warmwell's squadrons were taking part in the early forays over Northern France as Fighter Command changed from a defensive role to one of offence. Furthermore, with the slackening of enemy air activity over the Channel, the ranges at Chesil Beach were reopened and Warmwell was, again, able to host units using the ranges. On 3 March 1942, Squadron Leader F M Smith formed 175 Squadron at the station, though within days he was replaced by Squadron Leader PenningtonLeigh DFC. Equipped with Hurricane IIb's, “175” assisted with the development of fighter-bomber tactics which, as the war progressed, would become a potent factor in Allied air supremacy over the invasion beaches of Normandy. The Hurricane soon gave way to the Typhoon and it is certain that throughout the middle-war years, this brute of an aircraft was a familiar sight to the residents of Dorset. Plagued in its early days by structural problems, the Typhoon eventually became one of the best aerial weapons platforms in the field of ground-attack and, as touched upon above, its role prior to and during the invasion of 1944, and through to victory in May 1945, was of paramount importance. Mention must also be made of the Air-Sea Rescue squadrons, lodged at Warmwell. In the last Downsman, I mentioned a dramatic rescue involving 276 Squadron, but in total three such units used the airfield. 275 Squadron was domicile twixt 14 April and 7 August 1944, relieving "276" which had maintained a detachment since 21 October 1941, while in turn “275” gave way to 277 Squadron, the latter enjoying but a brief association with the aerodrome between 7 August and 1 November 1944. Interestingly, for most of 275 Squadron's presence, the airfield was known as Station 454 of the United States Army Air Force, hosting the 474th Fighter Group and its three squadrons of twin-boomed Lockheed Lightnings. Eventually, the 474th de-camped to France and the airfield once more reverberated to the sounds of Spitfires, Typhoons and its successor, the Tempest, as pilots honed their skills in delivering the lethal rocket projectiles from their specially constructed underwing racks. With the war in Europe at an end, there was little use for Warmwell and with the disbandment of Nos. 14 and 17 Armament Practice Camps on 4 October 1945, the "writing was on the wall" and a month later the station was placed under Care and Maintenance. Today, little remains to remind us the part that Warmwell airfield played in that long struggle against tyranny but its place in Dorset's history is assured. Also of permanence is the levelled area in the south part of the local churchyard of Holy Trinity where twenty-three service graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. A glance through the register shows that those buried in this south-eastern corner of Dorset came from South Africa, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Rhodesia and from many parts of the United Kingdom. Readers wishing to further their knowledge of Warmwell can do so by delving into "Action Stations 5. Military Airfields of the South-West" compiled by Chris Ashworth and published in 1982 by Patrick Stephens. Bill Chorley -To be continued

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Highlights •To support shops and re-establish basic Village Services a new Countryside Agency grant scheme will start in April; legislative proposals will be introduced when Parliamentary time allows to extend mandatory rate relief scheme for village shops to certain small food shops, pubs and petrol filling stations;

•To increase access to Affordable Housing the Housing Corporation programme for small settlements will increase from 800 to 1100 units next year rising to 1600 by 2003/4;

•To tackle exclusion and improve services in rural com-munities we are setting new service standards and increasing provision such as additional childcare, introducing further rural Sure Start schemes and asking Police Forces to set out how the additional resources set out in the White Paper will increase police visibility and accessibility in rural areas;

•To improve Rural Transport, increased Rural Bus Subsidy Grant will provide more new services to market towns from April 2001 and local authorities now have flexibility to use 20% of grant to support existing services. From April 2001 a new Countryside Agency grant scheme offers up to £10,000 (available directly to Parish and Town Councils to support community schemes such as car sharing;

•In March the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) will launch the Market Town regeneration programme benefiting 20 towns in 2001/2 and a further 80 over the next 3 years

•The expanded range of scheme under the England Rural Development Programme (£6b over 7 years) is expected to have helped around 30,000 people, by end 2001, mainly in farming and forestry, with grants for countryside stewardship, organic conversion, woodland planting, hill farming and rural development. By March 2001 some 5000 farmers will have had free consultancy advice from die Farm Business Advisory Service (£21m over 3 years) as part of the Government's Action Plan for Farming to help the farming industry modernise, restructure and diversify. Additional measures to help farmers meet the current economic crisis and adapt to longer term pressures are set out in the Plan, supported by £300m over the next 3 years;

•Changes to planning guidance (PPG7 -the Countryside will be published in March, to be supported by a new PPG13, to give stronger support to farm diversification projects, which will also benefit from legislative proposals (to be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows), which would allow 50% rate relief for 5 years to new small businesses on property previously subject to the agricultural exemption. By April 2002, 1000 farm businesses will have had RDA grants to support redundant building conversion as part of a diversification project;

•Parish and Town Councils. In addition to new grant schemes for transport and community services, new funds, from April 2001 will help parishes prepare Village and Town Plans and extend and improve training for Parish Councils. Working with local government -LGA and NALC -we will issue the Quality Parish proposals for consultation in late spring.

Our approach The policies and measures set out in the Rural White Paper are intended to deliver an improved quality of life for everyone who lives in the countryside, but taking forward these measures will depend critically on 5 factors: Achieving integration with other policies, but particularly policies for urban regeneration and working to get better working relationships between town and country -on farming, the environment, transport and development and the Government will be looking for opportunities to develop this as we implement the White Paper;

Reflecting varying regional and local priorities. For example shortage of affordable housing and the need for economic regeneration will score differently within and between regions. The Rural White Paper promotes local choice and its toolkit of measures requires active local selection and initiative;

Involving countryside organisation's in developing and delivery policies. Development of many White Paper policies will continue to benefit from input from specialist organisations and rural community representatives to help share and learn from experience, to spread good practice, and to help agree local and regional priorities for action and we will promote this wherever practicable. We are establishing National and Regional Sounding Boards to give rural communities a stronger voice to Government and oversight of service delivery;

Working in partnership with Regional and Local Government. The success of the White Paper policies depends on effective partnerships with all tiers of local and regional government, as well as national agencies. Building such partnerships, for example through local Strategic Partnerships or in County and District Parish Charters is a key part of implementation; Establishing independent monitoring. The White Paper commits both to a wider set of indicators on the quality of life in rural areas and independent monitoring by the Countryside Agency with the oversight of the National and Regional Sounding Boards, and the Rural Advocate. New indicators are included in the White Paper to enable the quality of life and environment in rural areas to be better assessed. We will look to follow these principles as we implement each of the policies in the White Paper and work with stakeholders to build a shared approach and a strong rural

RURAL WHITE PAPER The Rural White paper has implications for every local council and for every member of the local

community. This coverage, by Paul Claydon, first appeared in the April edition of Clerks & Councils Update.

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voice. Rural Service Standard (RWP Chapter 2) In the Rural White Paper, we are setting out for the first time what rural people can expect from major service providers in the Rural Services Standard and how those services will improve. Action: The Countryside Agency in its annual survey and Service Providers are taking steps to improve monitoring of rural service delivery and that will inform the Annual review of the service standard by the Cabinet Committee on Rural Affairs, together with advice from the Rural Advocate, Ewen Cameron, and the views of the National and Regional Sounding Boards, of rural stake-holders. The Department will issue a Best Practice Guide for service providers on taking account of rural needs/costs in Summer 2001. Vital Village Services (RWP Chapter 3) We are helping rural communities to have the basic services they need -shops, health and education close at hand, through community enterprise, applying new technology and public service providers retaining and improving essential services through:

• Extending the village shop rate relief scheme to provide mandatory relief for certain food shops, pubs and garages in small rural settlements. Action: Legislative proposals, as soon as Parliamentary time allows, to give mandatory relief of up to 50%.

• Introducing a new £15m Community Service Fund to

help safeguard or re-establish community backed basic services in small settlements; Action: Scheme launched 1 March 2001 by Countryside Agency (applications to its regional offices from 1.4.2001) to deliver 2500 small rural community projects over the next 3 years.

• Maintaining the rural Post Office network. Action:

New £2m fund announced by DTI (February) to support relocation, refurbishment and community involvement in rural post offices. New Post Office Code of Practice setting out action to help maintain rural post office network for publication by Spring 2001.

• Making new services available at village post offices

including banking. Action: New services, including Internet Access, piloted at 280 rural post offices in Leicester from July 2001. Agreement in principle (on 20.12.2000) to enable rural Post Offices to offer to provide a Universal Bank service by April 2003.

• Reducing the rate of VAT on repairs and maintenance

for listed churches -subject to EC approval. Action: The Chancellor wrote to the European Commission in November. Further announcement Spring 2001.

• Increasing funding for rural schools and access to

internet for all rural schools by 2002. Action: £80m Small Schools Fund in 2000-01 to help share resources, provide administrative support and adopt new technologies. Expansion of Community Schools self help network to 4000 schools in 2001/2.

• New childcare and early education provision in rural communities. Action: For example 4,500 new childcare places in Devon, Cornwall, Durham, Lincolnshire in first 9 months of 2000/1.

Modern Rural Services (RWP Chapter 4) We are using new technology to improve public services, including lifelong learning, skills, job search and health and tackling rural deprivation and social exclusion through:

• Modernising family doctor facilities which will improve access to services for most people in rural areas. Action: The NHS will work up programmes to achieve up to 100 new primary care one-stop shops or mobile service delivery units in rural areas by 2004.

• More resources to give more rapid rural ambulance

response. Action: Of the 32 ambulance trusts in England, 7 are currently meeting the new target for the most urgent, life-threatening cases and 18 others are expected to do so by April this year. All are expected to do so by April 2002.

• Rural communities will also benefit from wider Health

and Social Services investment. Action: Extension of NHS Direct to pharmacy services in 2002, expansion of new hospital programme and NHS dentistry and increase in intermediate care beds (On 15 February a new circular was issued to Health Authorities requiring them to consider what changes will be needed to make their contribution to the NHS Plan objective of a 7,000 hospital bed increase by 2004. Of these 5,000 beds will be intermediate care beds, many in local facilities such as community and cottage hospitals, new purpose built facilities or redesigned nursing homes.

• Helping 16-18s to stay in education and supporting

lifelong learning. Action: Connections Card to be launched Autumn 2001 will benefit rural areas by giving all young people in education (16-19) discounts including travel costs. Education Maintenance Allowances being tested in 4 rural areas. Local Learning Partnerships identifying specific rural needs and solutions.

• More resources for tackling social exclusion in the most

deprived rural areas. Action: Sure Start Pilot programmes in 7 rural districts begin April 2001 to improve early education (under 4), health and family support for the most disadvantaged households. Further programmes to begin in October 2001 with invitation to rural districts to develop rural sure start model. Additional funding for the most deprived rural areas of £25m from Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (£3m in 2001/2 rising to £12m in 2003/4) and capacity building through Neighbourhood Management projects. Appointment of 40 Community Development workers by the Countryside Agency to help rural communities tackle problems themselves.

• More resources for rural policing -an extra £15m in

2000-01 and £30m in 2001-02. Annual Action Police Force Annual Policing and Best Value Performance Plans (to be published by end March 2001) will report

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how additional resources are used to improve police visibility and accessibility in rural areas.

Housing (RWP Chapter 5) We are increasing the proportion of affordable housing, both for rent and sale, provided in market towns and villages, in order to support a living, working countryside with inclusive rural communities through:

• Doubling funding for the Housing Corporation between 2000 and 2003 to benefit both rural and urban areas and doubling its programme in small rural settlements from 800 to 1,600 homes a year. Action: Approvals in small settlements in 2001 expected to be 1100, rising to 1600 in 2003/4. In addition local authority funding and planning agreements should deliver annually around 1500 affordable homes to small rural settlements and around 6000 affordable homes in rural districts.

• Council tax on second homes. Action: Consultation

paper (Spring 2001) on whether to give local authorities discretion to end 50% discount and whether the additional income should be retained locally.

• Promoting better use of the planning system to secure

more affordable homes as part of mixed developments in market towns and rural areas. Action: Guidance to local authorities on better use of planning powers in late 2001. Countryside Agency extending the Housing Enabler scheme (bringing together land, funding and purchasers) to 25 counties by 2002.

• Starter homes initiative. Action: Rural area projects in

first round to be announced June 2001. Transport (RWP Chapter 6) We are improving transport and road safety for all in rural areas making best use of car, bus, rail, and community transport, with more responsive, better co-ordinated and locally provided services through:

• Additional rural bus services with increased funding: £132m over three years for Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and £60m over the same period for Rural Bus Challenge (45% increase on 1998-01). Action: Allocations an-nounced February allow increased flexibility to authorities to support existing services and services in and around larger market towns (10-25,000 popula-tion). Will contribute significantly to increasing number of rural households within a 10 minute walk of frequent bus service (hourly or better) (currently 36% and expected to be 48% in 2010).

• A new Parish Transport fund of £15m over three

years to support small-scale, locally generated transport solutions. Action: To be launched in March with grants of up to £10,000 for social car, taxi and community schemes, expected to benefit up to 1500 rural communities in the first 3 years.

• Relaxing regulatory restrictions on rural bus and

community transport services to allow more responsive and flexible provision in areas not well served by

scheduled services and by extending Fuel Duty Rebate to Community Transport. Action: Consultation on more flexible routing of scheduled services by Spring 2001 and on the regulatory regime for community transport by Summer 2001. Draft proposals to extend Fuel Duty Rebate to community transport for consultation in March 2001 with regulations made in 2001.

• New funding for car sharing schemes, car clubs and

other innovative approaches such as brokerage schemes to make better use of local authority transport in rural communities. Action: We expect to achieve 500 Rural Transport Partnership schemes nationally by doubling funding to £12m p.a. over next 3 years, with maximum grants increasing to £250,000.

• Rail Passenger Partnerships. Action: Rural projects

will benefit from new fasttrack bidding for Rail Passenger Partnership small projects (Strategic Rail Authority) eg. recent Tamar Valley line (DevonlCornwall) stations upgrade (£75k).

• Making rural roads safer -through reduced vehicle

speeds and appropriate speed limits, more investment in traffic calming, increased use of speed cameras and some 50 rural bypasses. Action: Report on rural road speed limit/safety hierarchy to be published by end November 2001; simplified block approval process for speed limit to be introduced in Transport Safety Bill; invitation to bid for new funding from fine revenue for speed limit cameras from summer 2001.

Regenerating market towns (RWP Chapter 7) Building a diverse rural economy that encourages new busi-nesses which fit with their surroundings and provide opportu-nities for all particularly in deprived rural areas.

• Providing advice and a healthcheck for all market towns and increased funding (£37m to create a £100m pro-gramme with partners) for Market Town regeneration in deprived areas. Action: Regional Development Agencies to announce Market Towns programme in each region in March towns focusing on deprived rural areas, benefiting around 20 towns in 2001/2 and a further 80 over the next 3 years; Countryside Agency to promote national beacon towns network and best practice programme from April 2001.

• New rural vision for Regional Development Agencies

to realise potential of rural economy and help it adapt to declining industries. Action: Funding increase for RDAs from April 2001 with increased flexibility for each RDA to set its own priorities under 'single budget' regime by end 2001.

• Extending ICT access and use in rural areas. Action:

UK online: The Broadband Future, Published February 2001, includes Government commitment to include rural needs in strategy to extend broadband (high capacity telecommunications). Consultation on a scoping study on MAFF

• Rural Portal completed, launch of a prototype expected in 2001 and a fully interactive site in 2002.

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• Lower transport costs for business and farmers. Action: Reduced VED for road haulage and farm vehicles in Pre Budget Report.

New future for farming (RWP Chapter 8) Working in partnership to provide opportunities to help the agriculture industry modernise and become more competitive, diverse, sustainable and responsive to consumers, recognising the role which farmers and land managers play in maintaining an attractive and diverse countryside and in sustaining the wider rural economy.

• The Action Plan for Farming aims to foster a more competitive and sustainable industry by providing short term relief to the sectors hit hardest by the current crisis and longer term support to encourage industry restructuring and adaptation. Originally backed by £200 million, a further £300 million has been awarded to take forward key initiatives over the next 3 years, including the pig industry restructuring scheme and further support for bill farmers (both UK wide), the free Farm Business Advice Scheme, the Farm Waste Grant Scheme, marketing support, development of the rural portal and the National Scrapie Plan, which will deliver benefits in the longer-term. Full details of the initiatives in the Action Plan are found on www.maff.gov.uk. Action: Fulfilling the Action Plan is a MAFF Public Service Agreement commitment and MAFF will monitor and evaluate its implementation.

• Tailored business advice and training for farmers.

Action: £21m of free advice until 2004 benefiting around 15,000 farmers -1300 visits by end December 2000, total of 5000 expected by end March 2001. Lantra has received £1.8m to assess training needs -10,000 skill check assessments by end March.

• Help for small abattoirs to support the rural economy

and specialist markets. Action: FSA consulting on Legislation needed to enable £8.7m to be spent from April 2001 on supporting a new meat inspection charging system.

• The launch of the £1.6bn, 7 year England Rural

Development Programme (ERDP) which increases support for agri-environment schemes and woodlands (see 10. 1) and introduces new grants, for marketing, skills, rural enterprise and energy crops. Action: New schemes open for application, expected by end 2001 to assist over 300 farming or rural businesses and provide over 4000 training days for people in farming and forestry.

• More support for farm business diversification.

Action: Issue a planning policy statement updating PPG7 (The Countryside) to encourage good quality farm diversification projects (March 2001) supported by a revised PPG13 (transport) and legislative proposals for rate relief for new small businesses on agricultural property announced February 2001. Continued RDA Redundant Building Grant support in 2001/2 (£4m) converting buildings for new uses an 1000 farms by April 2002. New free manual on farm diversification by April 2001.

• Regulating only when really necessary and removing

unnecessary regulatory burdens. Action: Response to the BRTF report published on 7 Feb 2001 agreeing to review the scope for data sharing and co-ordinated farm inspections so as to reduce burdens to farmers and to publish proposals on this by Autumn 2001. Also government to consider with others development of an environmental protection standard providing reassurance to regulators and reduced need for inspections on participating farms.

Preserve what makes rural England special (RWP Chapter 9) Reducing pressures for greenfield development through more successful cities and making the best use of recycled land and a planning framework which continues to safeguard our countryside while allowing rural communities to thrive.

• Tackling further greenfield development through urban renaissance and stronger controls on building on greenfield sites. Action: Implementation of the Urban White Paper (see separate plan). Continued monitoring of the 60% brownfield target and notification of all major new greenfield housing development. Revised consultation draft of PPG25 on flood protection issued February 2001. Consultation on impact fees and planning gain by summer 2001.

• A more holistic approach to take better account of all

land characteristics in planning decisions. Action: Parliamentary statement and consolidated PPG7 -March 2001 followed by new best practice planning guidance on assessing Best and Most Versatile Land (Autumn 2001). Draft soil strategy for consul-tation March 2001.

• Consultation on applying environmental impact

assessment procedures to projects for making more intense agricultural use of uncultivated land. Action: Consultation on draft regulations to be issued early Summer 2001.

• Better protection for National Parks, AONBs and other

important landscapes. Action: Complete consultation on commons legislation by Summer 2001. Consultation on national ambient noise strategy, taking account of rural tranquillity, by April 2001. Management Plans to be in place for all AONBs by 31 March 2004.

• More sustainable water management linking urban

and rural land use and an approach which safeguards environmental capital. Action: Government considering proposal for statutory duty on Director General of OFWAT to have regard to sustainable development arising from consultation on draft Water Bill.

Restoring and maintaining wildlife diversity (RWP Chapter 10) We are creating a new policy framework for promoting bio-diversity, restoring threatened habitats such as lowland heath and tackling wildlife threats, recognising and rewarding farmers for the environmental benefits they can provide.

http://www.maff.gov.uk

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• Government targets to reverse the decline in farmland

birds by 2020 and to bring 95% of nationally important wildlife sites into favourable condition by 2010. Doubling the number of new Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreements under the ERDP to enhance wildlife and landscape. Action: Expansion of agri-environment schemes under ERDP expected to achieve agreements with 10,000 farmers under Countryside Stewardship.

• New planning guidance on nature conservation and

biodiversity to ensure that they are better taken into account in local decisions. Action: Draft PPG9 for consultation in Summer 2001.

• A new biodiversity strategy for England to carry

forward the action plans which have already been developed for species and habitats identified as particular priorities. Action: Consultation with stakeholders in summer 2001. Final strategy summer 2002.

• Tougher penalties for wildlife crime. Action: Increased

fines in effect from 30 January 2001 under CROW Act. National Wildlife Crime Unit to be established by end 2001.

Ensuring everyone can enjoy an accessible countryside (RWP Chapter 11) A new right of access for walkers by 2005 to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. Action: Countryside Agency has begun mapping the land to which the right will apply (around 4m acres of countryside -10% of land area of England and Wales) and expect to produce first draft maps around October 2001 beginning in North West and South East.

• The rights of way system brought up to date through the new legislative measures in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and new finance from central Government. Action: Increased fines for obstruction of footpaths from 30 January. Draft regulation for consultation by Autumn 2001.

• Codes of practice, a national access database and other

readily available sources to inform people of the opportunities available to them in the countryside. Action: Using Countryside Agency survey and Best Value review to help achieve 10% improvement in defining, maintaining and publicising Rights of Way network by 2005.

• Better urban-rural links including new guidance on

revitalising country parks and special funding to improve the countryside around towns. Action: Countryside Agency to launch national demonstration programme for better design and management of 'public realm' with health check and action programme for country parks in Autumn 2001. New grant scheme to expand Community Forest programme by July 2001.

Local power for country towns and villages (RWP Chapter 12)

Helping all tiers of local government improve services in rural areas, enabling Town and Parish councils develop a new role and enable communities to help shape their future.

• The quality parish -a new role for town and parish councils. Town and Parish councils working in partnership with counties and districts and others to deliver more services locally, where this is best value, including Community Information Points. Action: Working with local government-AALC and LGA-to develop Consultation Paper on Quality Parishes for publication late Spring 2001, including model Parish Charter, Quality Tests and proposals on Parishes and Best Value.

• Help for over 1,000 rural communities to prepare Town

and Village Plans to shape their future. Action: Parish Plans grant scheme to be launched on 1 March by Countryside Agency (applications to its regional offices from 1.4.2001).

• Training and support for parish councils. Action:

Joint training strategy being developed with NALC, LGA and IDeA by Countryside Agency with £2m support for additional parish training.

Think rural(RWP Chapter 13) We want to ensure that rural needs are taken into account in developing all major policies and we want to give rural people a voice at the heart of Government, and in monitoring services and advising on countryside issues, Action: First meeting of Rural Affairs Cabinet Committee with Rural Advocate -March 2001. Development of rural proofing checklist (March 2001) and first rural proofing report (February 2002). National and Regional Rural Sounding Boards established by Summer 2001. Monitoring (RWP Chapter 14) Putting in place the monitoring of systems and indicators to measure progress towards White Paper objectives. Action: Expansion of national regional State of Countryside report assessments by April 2002. Review of indicators and report findings by Sounding Boards. Fuller details of the above proposals can be found on the DETR website www.detr.gov.uk (Published by the DETR on 1 March, 2001).

http://www.detr.gov.uk

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Handley SPORTS CLUB 100 CLUB Draw Number 2 £30 002 Mr R J Crouch, 7 Sycamore Close, Sixpenny Handley £10 042 Hilary Muspratt, 22 Dean Lane, Sixpenny Handley £10 019 Mr Bill Adlem, 67 High Street, Sixpenny Handley £10 130 Richard Adlem, Park Cottage, Sixpenny Handley £5 149 Mr M R Read. 22 Handley Park, Sixpenny Handley Draw Number 3 £30 033 Mrs M Harris, 3 Manor Farm Cottages, Gussage St Michael £10 042 Hilary Muspratt, 22 Dean Lane, Sixpenny Handley £10 189 John Linnane, 15 Waterditchampton, Wilton £10 192 Jeremy Haskell, Railway Terrace, Gillingham £5 188 Mrs R J Prince, Cranborne, Dorset Next season the club has retained their league status. Saturday XI Division 3 N and E Sunday XI Division 3 Dorset Sunday League The Club is anxious to recruit more persons to help run the club. Anyone interested in local football to take on the role of Chairman is sought. Anyone interested please contact the Club Secretary -Brian Hansford on 01725 552468.

Recreation Ground Play Area

Work to construct the new Play Area is scheduled to start on June 20th, although fencing and other works may start before then.

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INCOME Donations 11546.7Bowling Club 1390.95 Brownies 75.00 Chase Community 2113.40 Chase Nursery 1126.05 Handley Flower 296.35 Happy Nappy 264.20 Organisations 60.00 Parish Council 171.90 Pre School 669.90 Private Hire 606.22 School 37.50 Sports Club 11.90 W I 375.45 Wednesday Club 403.50 Whist Club 339.00 Youth Club 667.50 8608.82 Bank Interest 159.90 Supporter Club: Prizes (600.00) Supporter Club-Other 1327.00 727.00 TOTAL INCOME 21042.4EXPENSES Administration 9.70 Calor Gas 2302.14 Cleaning 82.62 Council Tax 241.61 Electricity 500.00 Insurance 515.73 Maintenance etc 17228.6Sundries 673.03 Telephone 133.89 Wages 2389.07 Water 147.24 TOTAL EXPENSES 24223.6PROFIT/(LOSS) (3181.25

ASSETS Cash and Bank Accounts

Cash Account 0.00 Current 3762.18 Deposit 2790.99 Portman Bldg. Society 196.02 Supporter's Club 283.00

TOTAL Cash and Bank Accounts 7032.19 TOTAL ASSETS 7032.19

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

LIABILITIES Other Liabilities VATControl 0.00

TOTAL Other Liabilities 0.00 TOTAL LIABILITIES 0.00

EQUITY 7032.19 7032.19 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Management Committee

Profit & Loss 00/01 01/04/00 - 31/03/01

Balance Sheet 01 As of 31/03/01

Sixpenny Handley Cricket Club Sunday (Mostly) Fixture List 2001

Jun-03 Chalke Valley Home (aka Broadchalke) Jun-10 Bournemouth Home Some Dorset players

Sports Club (over 50's, don't panic)! Wanderers

Jun-17 Tarrant Gunville Home Jun-24 Winterbourne Away

Stickland Jul-01 BELT Home

Friday Jul-06 Shalford CC Home Touring team 6.30 pm

start Jul-08 Chalke Valley Away Jul-15 Hazelbury Bryan Home Jul-22 BSA Jul-29 Harnharn Home

Aug-05 Tarrant Gunville Away Aug-12 Harnham Away Salisbury Aug-18 TOUR Very 18th Chulmleigh Aug-19 Away 19th Honiton Aug-26 BELT Away Winton Oval Sep-02 Rockbourne Home Sep-09 Wessex Arch Home Sep-16 Dewlish Home Sep-23 Winterbourne Home

Stickland NOTES:

September fixtures 2 pm start, all others 2:30pm unless noted otherwise.

Sixpenny Handley Cricket Club Wednesday Evening Fixtures

Date Opponents Venue Jun-06 No game Jun-13 Blandford A Jun-20 Stalbridge H Jun-27 Clayesmore Roundheads A Jul-04 Gillingham H Jul-11 No game Jul-18 Cup Final & Presentation

Blandford Rec - 6.15 start All matches (except Cup final) start at 6.30.

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Hiring Charges for Village Hall (from lst May 2001 until further notice)

Category All Facilites Charge 1 SPECIAL GROUP MEETINGS Pre-school, Happy Nappy, Holiday Club etc., £4.25 per hour with a maximum £12.35 per session (not more than 4 hours) 2. NORMAL REGULAR MEETINGS Flower arranging, W. l., Wednesday Club Aerobics/Dancing. £7.75 per hour 3. JUMBLE SALES etc 9 am to 5 pm £56.35 1 pm to 5 pm £30.90 4. WEDDINGS, DANCES etc £8.95 per hour (plus £50 deposit) 5. CHILDREN'S PARTIES £7.75 per hour 6. OTHER FUNCTIONS/EVENTS Subject to negotiation. 7. COMMITTEE ROOM ONLY £6.15 per hour 8. ADULT EDUCATION £6.25 per hour 9. CHASE COMMUNITY FRIENDS £39.00 per day N.B. Charges (at complete rate hours) are calculated from the time the key is available to the hirer. All bookings to be made from the Booking Secretary: Mrs Julie Richardson 11 Townsend Lane Martin, Nr Fordingbridge Hampshire. SP6 XW Tel: 01725 519438 and all charges paid to her (Cheques made out to 'Sixpenny Handley Village Hall,')

Sixpenny Handley Village Hall Management Committee

Use your vote Elections - 7th June 2001 - Candidates

General Election Cora Bone Independent Joseph Duthie Lower Excise Emily Gasson Liberal Democrat Peter Jenkins UK Independence Robert Walter Conservative Mark Wareham Labour County Council Election

Timothy Palmer Conservative Kathryn Parish Labour Pamela Sylvester Liberal Democrat

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DON’T FORGET WHATS ON!!! DATE FUNCTION PAGE DATE FUNCTION PAGE

Jun-01 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-03 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jun-03 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-05 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-06 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jun-06 Wednesday Club 2Jun-06 Bowls Club Evening 2Jun-07 Chase Community Friends 0Jun-07 Tennis Club Evening 3Jun-07 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-09 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-10 Tennis Club Junior Tournament 3Jun-10 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jun-10 CCC - Dog Show 2Jun-10 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-11 W I Meeting 1Jun-12 Coffee Morning - CCC 3Jun-13 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jun-13 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-14 Chase Community Friends 0Jun-14 Tennis Club Evening 3Jun-14 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-17 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jun-18 Flower Arranging Club 0Jun-18 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-19 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-20 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jun-20 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jun-20 Wednesday Club 2Jun-20 Bowls Club Evening 2Jun-21 Chase Community Friends 0Jun-21 Tennis Club Evening 3Jun-25 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-26 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-27 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jun-27 Bowls Club Evening 2Jun-28 Chase Community Friends 0Jun-28 Tennis Club Evening 3

Jun-28 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jun-29 Summer Fun Evening 3Jul-01 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jul-01 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jul-04 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jul-04 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jul-04 Wednesday Club 2Jul-04 Bowls Club Evening 2Jul-05 Chase Community Friends 0Jul-05 Tennis Club Evening 3Jul-06 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jul-07 Gardens Open Weekend 2Jul-08 Gardens Open Weekend 2Jul-08 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jul-11 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jul-11 Bowls Club Evening 2Jul-12 Chase Community Friends 0Jul-12 Tennis Club Evening 3Jul-13 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jul-15 Tennis Club Adults Tournament 3Jul-15 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jul-15 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jul-16 Flower Arranging Club 0Jul-18 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jul-18 Wednesday Club 2Jul-18 Bowls Club Evening 2Jul-19 Downsman Copy Deadline 0Jul-19 Chase Community Friends 0Jul-19 Tennis Club Evening 3Jul-21 Bowls Club Home Match 2Jul-25 Bridge at The Roebuck 0Jul-25 Bowls Club Evening 2Jul-26 Chase Community Friends 0Jul-26 Tennis Club Evening 3Jul-28 Tregonwell Lodge Open Day 2Jul-29 Cricket Club Home Match 4Jul-29 Bowls Club Home Match 2Aug- Bridge at The Roebuck 0

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